Microsoft Commits $2.2 Billion to Boost Cloud and AI Services in Malaysia
Summary:
Microsoft plans to invest $2.2 billion over four years in Malaysia to enhance cloud and AI services. The investment, which is the tech giant's largest in the country to date, includes building infrastructure, upskilling individuals in AI, and supporting local developers. Microsoft is also set to partner with the Malaysian government to establish a national AI Centre of Excellence and bolster the nation's cybersecurity abilities. This move ties in with other large investments Microsoft is making globally to foster AI, including $1.7 billion in Indonesia and a $2.1 billion commitment in Spain. Additionally, Google is also moving forward with AI investment plans in Europe.
Microsoft declared a commitment of $2.2 billion over a span of four years in Malaysia. This is to facilitate the growth of cloud facilities and artificial intelligence services in the country. This expenditure marks the biggest in Microsoft’s 32-year presence in Malaysia, according to a recent blog announcement. There will be construction of AI and cloud infrastructure, generation of AI-skilling opportunities for nearly 200,000 individuals, and support to the local developers. Microsoft is also looking forward to team up with Malaysia's government to set up a prominent AI Centre of Excellence, and to boost the nation's abilities in cybersecurity. Following a meeting with Microsoft’s CEO Satya Nadella, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated this investment resonates with Malaysia's plans to step up its proficiency in AI. The Chief Exec of Microsoft during a visit to the Malaysian capital shared, “We are keen on establishing superior infrastructure here in the country to benefit all organisations and startups.” Kearney, a leading consulting firm estimates that AI will generate a massive $1 trillion to Southeast Asia's GDP by 2030, with Malaysia capturing around $115 billion. Microsoft is focusing on augmenting its support for global AI development. Its CEO, Nadella, made known this week, a further investment of $1.7 billion in Indonesia, and Microsoft’s plan of inaugurating its very first regional data center in Thailand. Microsoft has also made a significant investment in Europe on Feb. 20, with a promise of $2.1 billion to strengthen Spain's cloud and AI infrastructure. This comes after a separate commitment of investing three billion euros for developing Germany's AI ecosystem, announced on Feb. 15. As Big Tech companies continue to invest in Europe for AI development, the European Union is gearing up to enact its significant EU AI Act legislation. Google, another tech heavyweight made public its “AI Opportunity Initiative for Europe” lately in February. This involves a planned investment of 25 million euros (equivalent to $26.9 million) in facilitating AI training for Europeans. Google collaborates with a wide range of parties including EU governments, academic institutions, civil society, and businesses, to furnish AI training for local startups. The initiative aims to equip workers with necessary skills and ensure no one is left behind. Similarly, the Italian government launched an initiative in 2023 to save millions of euros for improving the digital skills of workers, taking into consideration the potential job displacement due to automation and AI.
Published At
5/2/2024 12:24:41 PM
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